Villanova continues fall, shocked by Providence

Friars hand Wildcats second defeat in week

Associated Press

Published 11:55 pm, Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Photo: Stephan Savoia

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Providence guard Kyron Cartwright (24) grimaces as he falls to the court after winning control of a loose ball against Villanova guard Mikal Bridges, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, in Providence, R.I. Providence upset No. 3 Villanova, 76-71. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia) less

Providence guard Kyron Cartwright (24) grimaces as he falls to the court after winning control of a loose ball against Villanova guard Mikal Bridges, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball ... more

The loss comes a week after St. John's topped Villanova, which was No. 1 at the time.

Rodney Bullock and Alpha Diallo each added 14 points for the Friars (17-9, 8-5 Big East), who snapped a five-game losing streak to the Wildcats.

It was Providence's first win over Villanova since Jan. 24, 2016.

Mikal Bridges had 19 points for Villanova (23-3, 10-3), but fouled out with 1:12 to play in the game.

Xavier 102, Seton Hall 90: Trevon Bluiett followed his worst shooting performance of the season with a 37-point effort, and No. 4 Xavier held on, securing the Musketeers' hold on first place in the Big East. Xavier (24-3, 12-2) has won nine in a row heading into its showdown with No. 3 Villanova on Saturday at the Cintas Center.

Auburn 76, Kentucky 66: Bryce Brown returned from a shoulder injury to score 18 points and make four 3-pointers in leading No. 10 Auburn to a victory over Kentucky.

Florida State 81, Clemson 79 (OT): Phil Cofer scored 17 points, Trent Forrest added 16 and Florida State rallied from an 18-point deficit in the second half to win in overtime against No. 11 Clemson. The Seminoles (18-8, 7-7 Atlantic Coast Conference) didn't take their first lead until 1:05 remaining in overtime.

Duke 74, Virginia Tech 52: Grayson Allen scored 25 points and matched a career high with seven 3-pointers as No. 12 Duke won without freshman star Marvin Bagley III. Freshman Gary Trent Jr. added 19 points for the Blue Devils (21-5, 9-4 Atlantic Coast Conference). Bagley III, the league's leading scorer and rebounder, missed his second game with a sprained right knee.